No Surrender

This graphic adaptation of No Surrender explores women's rights through the lens of civil disobedience and highlights the struggles faced by suffragists in early 20th century Britain.

Adapted from Constance Maud’s 1911 suffrage novel about English women’s rights, No Surrender delves into the motivations and rationale behind civil disobedience. Constance Maud was a pivotal figure in the British campaign for women's suffrage, and her novel was published during a critical time in that struggle. It served as a persuasive tool for suffragists, with Emily Wilding Davison praising it as 'a book which breathes the very spirit of our Women’s Movement.' The narrative is fast-paced, weaving together the lives of women from various social strata who unite in their quest for change.

The protagonist, Jenny, is a determined Lancashire textile mill worker who prioritizes her principles above all else. No Surrender is a blend of humor and violence, offering an authentic and engaging portrayal of the era. It is recognized as a significant document that presents the arguments for and against women's voting rights, showcasing witty storytelling alongside a raw depiction of the escalating violence faced by women involved in the suffrage movement.

In this faithful graphic adaptation, creators Scarlett and Sophie Rickard present a vivid fiction that captures the social, political, economic, and cultural landscape of early 20th century Britain, relevance that resonates even today. The graphic format exemplifies the suffrage rallying cry of 'Deeds not Words,' making this book a valuable companion to their adaptation of the socialist classic The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.